From the very beginning of the Church, Christians have sometimes displayed a lack of assurance as to whether they have true faith in Christ and are redeemed. Even on the night before the crucifixion of Jesus, when He announced that one of His own disciples would betray Him, “they began to be grieved and to say to Him one by one, ‘Surely not I?’” Apparently none of them were certain of their loyalty. We have not risen higher than the original disciples. Christians who know the biblical gospel and the possibility of false belief are very often hounded by doubts as to their conversion.

Such Christians could use some help sorting out all the issues pertaining to a lack of assurance, and they could probably not do better than this book by Donald S. Whitney. In How Can I Be Sure I’m a Christian? Whitney offers a treatment of the issue which is remarkably thorough and concise all at once. He combines knowledge of Scripture, sound theology, pastoral experience, and precise advice. The consistent assertion of this well-argued book is that, if you lack assurance of conversion, you can take definite action to “make certain about His calling and choosing of you” (2 Pet. 1:10).

Naturally, the person lacking assurance will have the primary interest in this book. But all Christians would do well to read it, either to increase their own faith or to prepare against a future, unforeseen conflict of confidence. Pastors, teachers, and counselors, or any person sought for spiritual advice, would also have great advantage from Whitney’s book, since assurance will prove to be a common talking point among their advisees.

NEARLY EVERYONE HOPES TO END UP IN HEAVEN ONE DAY. In fact, a whopping 99% of American believe they'll eventually reside there. Yet the Bible claims that only a few will find the "road that leads to eternal life." So how can anyone be sure of spending eternity with Jesus Christ?

In How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian? Donald S. Whitney explores the issue of assurance and outlines how Christians can experience a satisfying certainty of eternal life.

If occasional doubts prevent you from fully experiencing the security and peace that Christ offers, you'll enjoy the clear assurances offered here. By countering a broad range of doubts with a clear, scriptural basis for confidence, Whitney provides encouragement for believers and gentle warnings to those who base their confidence in themselves rather than in God.

"If you have questions about your assurance or even somebody else's, you should read this book. Dr. Whitney's illustrations are superb, and his borrowings from the great theologians of the past are wise, stimulating, and well-chosen. I commend his work highly."-James M. Boice, Pastor, Tenth Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

"Don Whitney has given us an excellent book on a vital subject, skillfully demonstrating the difference between assurance and presumption and showing how genuine assurance can be pursued and preserved."-John Blanchard, International Evangelist and Author of Right with God

"How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian? is must reading for new and old Christians alike, since we've all struggled with doubt. Read this book and rejoice in God's assurance."-Brent D. Garrison, Vice President, Moody Bible Institute